Wall bookcase by Gunnar Nielsen for Tibergaard, Denmark, 1960s
By Gunnar Nielsen Tibergaard
Located in Vigevano, PV
Teak floor-to-ceiling bookcase by Gunnar Nielsen for Tibergaard, Denmark, 1960s.
Brass
William Watting for Fristho Two-Bay Teak Modular Wall Unit
By Fristho, William Watting
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Attributed to William Watting for Fristho, this two-bay modular wall unit is built around three cylindrical teak upright posts that run floor to ceiling, supporting four adjustable s...
Metal, Brass
Unavailable
H 121.66 in W 85.24 in D 17.72 in
Mid Century Modern Italian Floor to Ceiling teak Wall Unit - 1960s
Located in Uccle, BE
Mid Century Modern Italian Floor to Ceiling teak Wall Unit - 1960s adjustable height...
Metal
Italian Modern Teak Floor to Ceiling Wall Unit, 1950s
Located in Rome, IT
A modern bookcase, manufactured in Italy in 1950s. The mounting of this bookshelf is with pressure between the floor and the ceiling . This modular shelving’s system allows you to ...
Brass, Iron
Sold
H 88.59 in W 17.72 in D 5.91 in
Mid Century Teak Tension Pole Floor to Ceiling Triple Lights Lamp Germany, 1950s
By Vereinigte Werkstätten München
Located in Antwerp, BE
A Mid-Century set of two German Vereinigte Werkstätten München 1950's tension pole lamp. This is an adjustable three-way lamp, featuring solid teak stand with adjustable three linen ...
Brass
Italian Teak and Brass Floor to Ceiling Wall Unit, 1950s
Located in Rome, IT
Bookshelf / modular wall unit Italian design, 1950s Teak, iron, brass Completely restored The height is adjustable, just specify your ceiling height for a confirmation T...
Brass, Iron
Sold
H 118.12 in W 64.97 in D 15.75 in
Floor-to-Ceiling Bookcase Adjustable Elements Teak Veneer Metal Vintage, 1950s
Located in Milano, IT
A floor-to-ceiling bookcase with elements adjustable in height, teak veneer, metal.
Metal
Sold
H 132.68 in W 59.85 in D 8.67 in
Floor-to-Ceiling Bookcase Teak Veneered Shelves Vintage, Italy, 1950s-1960s
Located in Milano, IT
A floor-to-ceiling bookcase with extendable uprights and adjustable shelves in height.
Metal, Brass
Sold
H 132.68 in W 88.19 in D 8.67 in
Floor-to-Ceiling Bookcase Teak Veneered Shelves Vintage, Italy, 1950s-1960s
Located in Milano, IT
A floor-to-ceiling bookcase with extendable uprights and adjustable shelves in height.
Metal, Brass
Sold
H 125.99 in W 40.95 in D 16.93 in
1950s Italian Floor to Ceiling Bookshelf in Teak Iron and Brass
Located in Rome, IT
The mounting of this wall unit is with pressure between the floor and the ceiling. It is made up of a flap cabinet that can be used also as a small writing desk or a bar.
Brass, Iron
Italian Modern Teak and Iron Floor to Ceiling Wall Unit, 1950s
Located in Rome, IT
The mounting of this bookshelf is with pressure between the floor and the ceiling. This wall unit is made up of a cabinet with sliding doors, a chest of drawers with three drawers a...
Brass, Iron
Sold
H 118.12 in W 100.01 in D 14.18 in
Italian Modern Teak and Brass Floor to Ceiling Wall Unit, 1950s
Located in Rome, IT
Modular bookshelf , manufactured in Italy during the 1950s Made of teak, black enameled iron and brass Full of details, All the hardware and brass parts have been specially made for...
Brass, Iron
Sold
H 116.15 in W 89.38 in D 18.51 in
Floor-to-Ceiling Bookcase Teak Veneer Mahogany Brass Vintage, Italy, 1950s-1960s
Located in Milano, IT
A floor-to-ceiling bookcase, teak veneer, mahogany uprights, decorated drawers, brass.
Brass
Sold
H 120.08 in W 65.36 in D 16.54 in
Floor-to-Ceiling Bookcase Mahogany Teak Veneer Glass Brass Vintage, Italy, 1950s
Located in Milano, IT
A unique floor-to-ceiling bookcase, conceived as a room divider.
Brass
Sold
H 118.12 in W 100.01 in D 14.18 in
Italian Modern Teak Brass Floor to Ceiling Wall Unit Bookshelf Library, 1950s
Located in Rome, IT
Bookshelf/wall unit Italian design 1950s Teak, iron, brass Completely restored The height is adjustable, just specify your ceiling height for a confirmation The wooden su...
Brass, Iron
Sold
H 118.12 in W 66.93 in D 14.18 in
1950s Italian Modern Teak Iron and Brass Floor to Ceiling Wall Unit
Located in Rome, IT
Modular bookshelf , manufactured in Italy during the 1950s Made of teak, black enameled iron and brass Full of details, All the hardware and brass parts have been specially made...
Brass, Iron
1950s Italian Single Pole Floor to Ceiling Bookshelf
Located in Rome, IT
A modern wall unit, manufactured in Italy during the 1950s. The mounting of this bookshelf is with pressure between the floor and the ceiling. This rare piece is composed of a sing...
Iron
Sold
H 121.26 in W 135.83 in D 13.78 in
Floor-to-Ceiling Bookcase by Franco Albini Vintage Design, Italy, 1960s
By Poggi, Franco Albini
Located in Milano, IT
Modular floor-to-ceiling bookcase designed by Franco Albini (1905-1977) for Poggi.
Teak
Italian Floor to Ceiling Wall Unit in Teak for Danielle
Located in Rome, IT
This listing is dedicated to the customer Danielle, The photos, which are for reference only, indicate the exact model of bookcase for sale. This has not yet been photographed be...
Brass, Iron
Midcentury Italian Floor to Ceiling Teak Modular Wall Unit
Located in Rome, IT
Crafted from the finest teak wood, this modular bookcase boasts a unique system of pressure mounting between the floor and ceiling, ensuring stability and adaptability to any space.
Brass, Iron
Sold
H 114.97 in W 55.12 in D 12.6 in
Floor-to-Ceiling Bookcase Adjustable Elements Teak Veneer Metal Vintage, 1950s
Located in Milano, IT
A floor-to-ceiling bookcase with elements adjustable in height, teak veneer, metal uprights with brass tips.
Brass, Metal
Sold
H 122.05 in W 100.01 in D 14.18 in
Italian Teak and Brass Floor to Ceiling Wall Unit -Bookshelf, 1950s
Located in Rome, IT
Bookshelf/wall unit Italian design 1950s Teak, iron, brass Completely restored The height is adjustable, just specify your ceiling height for a confirmation The wooden su...
Brass, Iron
Sold
H 118.12 in W 100.01 in D 14.18 in
Italian Modern Teak Brass Floor to Ceiling Wall Unit Bookshelf for Steve
Located in Rome, IT
Bookshelf/wall unit Italian design 1950s Teak, iron, brass The item is Completely restored The composition for Steve includes: 4 iron , brass and wood poles 2 cabinets with two dr...
Brass, Iron
Sold
H 153.55 in W 51.19 in D 17.72 in
Leonardo Fiori for ISA Floor to Ceiling Teak Bookcase, Italy, 1950s
By ISA Bergamo
Located in Firenze, IT
Modular floor-to-ceiling bookcase designed by Luciano Fiori for ISA.
Brass, Steel
Leonardo Fiori for ISA Floor to Ceiling Teak Bookcase, Italy, 1950s
By ISA Bergamo
Located in Firenze, IT
Modular floor-to-ceiling bookcase designed by Luciano Fiori for ISA.
Brass, Steel
$4,273
H 78.75 in W 96.07 in D 14.97 in
Danish Modern 3-Bay Modular Teak Wall Unit by Poul Cadovius for Cado, 1950s.
By Poul Cadovius, Cado
Located in Asaa, DK
Danish Modern 3-Bay Modular Teak Wall Unit by Poul Cadovius for Cado, 1960s. Scandinavian Mid-Century Modern 3 bay shelving system model Royal. This is an original vintage floating ...
Teak
Danish Modern Modular 4 Bay Wall Unit by Lyby Mobler, c. 1960
By Lyby Mobler
Located in Deland, FL
A rare find and truly an exceptional design is this wall unit by Lyby Mobler. The unit is assembled with steel poles, accented with teak caps. The unit can be adjusted to several con...
Teak
$1,701
H 70.87 in W 31.5 in D 15.75 in
Teak Veneer Bookcase, Shelving System by Skaraborgs Möbelindustri, 1950s
By Bertil Fridhagen, Skaraborgs Möbelindustri Tibro
Located in Bochum, NRW
A refined example of Swedish mid‑century functionalism, this “Reform” shelving system by Skaraborgs Möbelindustri (Tibro) brings together clean architectural lines, warm materials, a...
Wood
$2,325
H 58.47 in W 64.38 in D 14.97 in
Danish Modern 2-Bay Modular Teak Wall Unit by Poul Cadovius for Cado, 1960s.
By Cado, Poul Cadovius
Located in Asaa, DK
Danish Modern 2-Bay Modular Teak Wall Unit by Poul Cadovius for Cado, 1960s. Mid-Century Modern 2 bay shelving system model Royal. This is an original vintage floating bookcase desi...
Teak
$8,900 / set
H 70.25 in W 94.75 in D 18.5 in
Mid-Century Danish Teak Wall Unit Bookcase by Peter Løvig Nielsen, Pair, 1960s
By Peter Løvig Nielsen
Located in Detroit, MI
This matching pair of Danish modern teak bookcase cabinets was designed by Peter Løvig Nielsen and produced by Løvig Dansk Designs in Denmark circa 1960. These expertly-crafted two-p...
Brass
$3,800
H 67.5 in W 94.25 in D 17.5 in
Mid Century Swedish Shelf by Bertil Fridhagen for Bodafors 1950/60's
By Bodafors, Bertil Fridhagen
Located in New York, NY
Mid Century Scandinavian Modern wall unit, shelves, desk, designed by Bertil Fridhagen for Bodafors, circa 1950/60's. This piece features three bays, one with a glass fronted slidin...
Glass, Teak
$4,491
H 96.86 in W 65.36 in D 18.12 in
Midcentury George Nelson Omni Herman Miller Modular Shelving System Walnut 1950s
By George Nelson, Herman Miller
Located in Sherborne, Dorset
This is a rare American ‘Omni’ modular freestanding shelving system in walnut and aluminium, designed by George Nelson in 1952 and manufactured by Herman Miller, America. The shelvi...
Metal, Aluminum
$4,765
H 84.85 in W 95.08 in D 13.39 in
Mid-Century Modern Walnut Bookcase, Italian Design, 1950, Excellent Condition
By Non-Standard Furniture and Lighting
Located in Milano, IT
Vintage freestanding walnut bookcase with shelves, storage compartments with hinged doors and compartment with drop down.
Walnut
1960s Wall shelf, Kai Kristiansen, FM Møbler
By FM Møbler, Kai Kristiansen
Located in Neuss, NW
Classic shelving system from the 1960s. The high-quality containers and shelves are veneered in teak. The system consists of six shelves, a writing surface, one container with two do...
Aluminum
$1,424
H 78.94 in W 32.88 in D 9.65 in L 78.94 in
Danish Modern 1-Bay Modular Teak Wall Unit by Poul Cadovius for Cado, 1960s.
By Cado, Poul Cadovius
Located in Asaa, DK
Danish Modern 1-Bay Modular Teak Wall Unit by Poul Cadovius for Cado, 1960s. Mid-Century Modern 1 bay shelving system model Royal. This is an original vintage floating bookcase desi...
Teak
Danish Modern Teak Bookshelf Wall Unit
Located in Atlanta, GA
Danish Modern Teak Bookshelf Wall Unit, Denmark, circa 1960s. This piece is a versatile size and can be used as a bookshelf, bar, media cabinet, vitrine, or wall cabinet. It consists...
Glass, Wood, Teak
Norwegian Teak Modular Shelving System Mid Century 1960s
By John Texmon
Located in Norwich, England
Stylish mid century Norwegian teak modular system. Circa 1960s. A versatile system that can be configured in different ways: as two separate single bays, as two bays joined together...
Teak, Birch
Danish Freestanding Teak Shelf System 1950s with Cabinets
Located in Handewitt, DE
Danish freestanding and conical shaped teak shelf system with cabinets, bar, shelfes and double chest of drawers. With nice teak color and in original condition in good quality. Denm...
Teak
Mid-Century Walnut Modular Wall Unit
Located in Toledo, OH
Mid-century modular walnut wall unit, circa 1970's featuring 4 self-supporting box units, 4 shelves, and a locking drop down desk. The height can be adjusted on all pieces. Excellent...
Walnut
$3,600
H 37 in W 35.5 in D 10.75 in
Peter Hvidt and Orla Mølgaard-Nielsen Bookcase for Soborg, Denmark 1960's
By Orla Mølgaard-Nielsen, Peter Hvidt
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Design duo Peter Hvidt and Orla Mølgaard-Nielsen for Danish company Soborg Mobelfabrik, circa 1960's. The cabinet shaped bookcase is modular and the shelves can be arranged any way y...
Teak
Mid-Century Modern Italian Wall Unit in Maple and Walnut
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Attributed to Gustavo & Vito Latis, highboard or showcase library, maple, walnut, glass, brass, Italy, circa 1960 Beautiful showcase made in Italy in the 1960s. Executed in mapl...
Brass
'Mania' Sconce by Vico Magistretti for Artemide
By Vico Magistretti, Artemide
Located in Los Angeles, CA
The “Mania” sconce by Vico Magistretti for Artemide, designed and manufactured in Italy circa the 1960s, exemplifies the refined simplicity and thoughtful geometry of mid‑century Ita...
Brass
$14,600
H 71.2 in W 54.4 in D 16 in
Italian Mid-Century Vanity Console by Cesare Lacca with Mirror in Burl Walnut
By Cesare Lacca
Located in Vigonza, Padua
Code: FH27 Measures cm: H 178 x W 136 x D 40. Elegant and highly distinctive Italian vanity or dressing table dating from the early 1950s, bearing the label of La Permanente Mobili ...
Mirror, Walnut
Golden French 1960s Pendant Flush Light
Located in New York, NY
A stunning 1960s French polished solid brass round disc fixture with 16 solid glass orbs. Five-light sources which emit light downward through the glass as well as up toward the ceil...
Brass
1958 Danish Teak Royal Cado Wall Unit by Poul Cadovius
By Poul Cadovius
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Highly versatile and functional Cado wall unit in walnut by Danish designer Poul Cadovius. We currently have many different Cado pieces in stock and can customize your order to incl...
Teak
$3,200
H 73.5 in W 65.75 in D 17 in
Mid-Century Ladderax Free Standing Teak Wall Unit by Robert Heal, C. 1960s
By Robert Heal
Located in Peabody, MA
A freestanding "Ladderax" wall unit in teak and enameled steel, designed by Robert Heal for the British maker Avalon in the early 1960s. Features two cabinets with glass doors and g...
Steel
$4,200
H 4 in W 23.75 in D 7.65 in L 4 in
Englander & Bonta, Console Table, Wood, Brass, Argentina, 1950s
By Englander & Bonta
Located in High Point, NC
A wall mounted wood and brass console table with gilt details produced by Englander & Bonta, Argentina, c. 1950s. From an interior commissioned by Englander & Bonta, Buenos ...
Brass
Original Teak Wood Caprani Table Lamp, 1980s, Denmark
By Caprani Light AS
Located in Værløse, DK
Teak Wood Table Lamp made by Mads Caprani in the 1980s. * Z-shaped table lamp in bend teak-wood with an off-white fabric shade * Manufacturer: Caprani Light A/S Denmark * Year: 198...
Fabric, Bentwood, Teak
1980s Extra-Large Granite Coffee Table with Pedestal Base
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Monumental coffee table produced in the Netherlands during the 1980s demonstrates the period's embrace of raw, elemental materials. The design relies on pure geometric forms: a thick...
Stone, Granite
George Nelson for Herman Miller Two-Bay Omni Wall Unit System
Located in Oklahoma City, OK
A handsome and highly versatile two-bay Omni modular wall system designed by George Nelson & Associates for Herman Miller, circa 1960s–1970s. The Omni system is one of Nelson’s most...
Aluminum
$148,000
H 28.94 in W 84.06 in D 41.15 in
George Nakashima 'Frenchman's Cove II' Dining Table in Walnut
Located in Waalwijk, NL
George Nakashima for George Nakashima Studio, ‘Frenchman’s Cove II’ dining table, American black walnut, United States of America, 1967 This striking and unique Frenchman’s Cove II ...
Walnut
$1,978
H 43.5 in W 46 in D 13 in
American Mid Century Walnut & Glass Lighted Floating Wall Cabinet/Bookcase
By Lane Acclaim
Located in San Diego, CA
Beautiful elegant wall floating cabinet by Lane Furniture with double glass shelves with groove to display dishes beautiful piece great for display books collections of smalls dishes...
Glass, Walnut
Guillerme & Chambron Angular Carved Sideboard in Solid Oak
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Guillerme et Chambron for Votre Maison, sideboard or credenza, oak, glass, France, 1960s This exceptional sideboard is a great example where both aesthetics and functionality come i...
Glass, Oak
$3,570
H 80 in W 104 in D 18 in
Mid century Danish rosewood wall unit by Kai Kristiansen FM, with desk & light
By Kai Kristiansen
Located in Liberty, NY
Stunning mid century Danish rosewood three bay wall unit by Kai Kristiansen for FM Mobler. Consists of two large cabinets - 28.5" tall and 11" deep, 33 5/8" wide with two adjustable ...
Rosewood
LUart Directional Sconce PN by Lumfardo Luminaires
By Lumfardo Luminaires
Located in Inglewood, CA
Superbly crafted linear wall sconce designed by Lumfardo Luminaires in a polished nickel finish. Sconce is designed to feature artwork and/or objects d’art. Each shade is independent...
Nickel
Teak 4-Piece Bookcase by Børge Mogensen
By Børge Mogensen
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A modular teak wall unit composed of four elements: two open bookcases, a chest of drawers with four drawers, and a cabinet with sliding doors. Clean-lined and rigorously proportione...
Teak
Early Pierre Chapo 'L09I' Sofa or Bench in Solid Elm
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Pierre Chapo, bench or sofa, model 'L09I', elm, fabric, France, 1975 Dating from 1975, this piece is an early example designed by Pierre Chapo, known for his commitment to pure and ...
Fabric, Elm
Organically shaped, clean-lined and elegantly simple are three terms that well describe vintage mid-century modern furniture. The style, which emerged primarily in the years following World War II, is characterized by pieces that were conceived and made in an energetic, optimistic spirit by creators who believed that good design was an essential part of good living.
ORIGINS OF MID-CENTURY MODERN FURNITURE DESIGN
CHARACTERISTICS OF MID-CENTURY MODERN FURNITURE DESIGN
MID-CENTURY MODERN FURNITURE DESIGNERS TO KNOW
ICONIC MID-CENTURY MODERN FURNITURE DESIGNS
VINTAGE MID-CENTURY MODERN FURNITURE ON 1STDIBS
The mid-century modern era saw leagues of postwar American architects and designers animated by new ideas and new technology. The lean, functionalist International-style architecture of Le Corbusier and Bauhaus eminences Ludwig Mies van der Rohe and Walter Gropius had been promoted in the United States during the 1930s by Philip Johnson and others. New building techniques, such as “post-and-beam” construction, allowed the International-style schemes to be realized on a small scale in open-plan houses with long walls of glass.
Materials developed for wartime use became available for domestic goods and were incorporated into mid-century modern furniture designs. Charles and Ray Eames and Eero Saarinen, who had experimented extensively with molded plywood, eagerly embraced fiberglass for pieces such as the La Chaise and the Womb chair, respectively.
Architect, writer and designer George Nelson created with his team shades for the Bubble lamp using a new translucent polymer skin and, as design director at Herman Miller, recruited the Eameses, Alexander Girard and others for projects at the legendary Michigan furniture manufacturer.
Harry Bertoia and Isamu Noguchi devised chairs and tables built of wire mesh and wire struts. Materials were repurposed too: The Danish-born designer Jens Risom created a line of chairs using surplus parachute straps for webbed seats and backrests.
The Risom lounge chair was among the first pieces of furniture commissioned and produced by celebrated manufacturer Knoll, a chief influencer in the rise of modern design in the United States, thanks to the work of Florence Knoll, the pioneering architect and designer who made the firm a leader in its field. The seating that Knoll created for office spaces — as well as pieces designed by Florence initially for commercial clients — soon became desirable for the home.
As the demand for casual, uncluttered furnishings grew, more mid-century furniture designers caught the spirit.
Classically oriented creators such as Edward Wormley, house designer for Dunbar Inc., offered such pieces as the sinuous Listen to Me chaise; the British expatriate T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings switched gears, creating items such as the tiered, biomorphic Mesa table. There were Young Turks such as Paul McCobb, who designed holistic groups of sleek, blond wood furniture, and Milo Baughman, who espoused a West Coast aesthetic in minimalist teak dining tables and lushly upholstered chairs and sofas with angular steel frames.
Generations turn over, and mid-century modern remains arguably the most popular style going. As the collection of vintage mid-century modern chairs, dressers, coffee tables and other furniture for the living room, dining room, bedroom and elsewhere on 1stDibs demonstrates, this period saw one of the most delightful and dramatic flowerings of creativity in design history.
Whether you proudly shelve your books in regal mahogany or behind glass cabinet doors, an antique bookcase — or perhaps more than one — is essential to creating a cozy nook for any book lover.
As long as curious people have collected stories, we have needed a place to stow them away and preserve them. When auction houses and book dealers proliferated by the late 17th century, the bibliophile was born. And, of course, as with any treasured decorative objects or collectibles, a book lover’s volumes were suddenly worthy of a luxurious display — enter the bookcase.
Americans of means during the 19th century took to amassing art as well as rare books, and bookcases of the era — rife with hand-carved decorative accents and architectural motifs — were ideal for displaying their handsome leather-bound wares.
Although our favorite titles may change over the years, the functionality and beauty of their home within our home is timeless. Even those who don’t covet the perfect home library can benefit from an attractive display case, as bookcases can easily double as charming étagères.
Contemporary and customizable options make it easier for you to find the perfect bookcase for your style and stacks. If you don’t wish to fill your storage piece so that your collection is snug within its confines, incorporate extra space to allow for additional displays and decorative objects. And by introducing a striking dark wood Art Deco bookcase or low-profile mid-century modern design by Paul McCobb into your living room, your signed first editions won’t be the only items making a statement.
Find barrister bookcases, Globe Wernicke bookcases, bookcases with doors and other vintage and antique bookcases on 1stDibs now.